Supreme Court nominee, Justice Clemence Honyenuga has apologised for his alleged endorsement of President Akufo-Addo for a second term.

During his vetting on Monday, the Justice who doubles as the Paramount Chief of the Nyagbo Traditional Area said the comments do not reflect his personal view and that they were made on behalf of the chiefs and people of the area.

Justice Honyenuga is reported to have made the comments during a durbar in his area in February, after he was nominated by President Akufo-Addo.

While reading a speech at the function, Mr. Honyenuga is alleged to have said that “it is our hope that with your vision and the special gains you have made in the economy in your first term, Ghanaians may consider giving you another four years.”

The Minority during Monday’s vetting questioned why the Appeals Court Judge made the comments which were against judicial ethics.

The Chairman of the Committee, Joseph Osei Owusu had ruled out the question and asked the nominee not to answer.

But the Minority, unhappy with the decision, staged a five-minute walk out. When proceedings resumed, Justice Honyehuga was compelled to respond to the question.

North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa referred the judge to the code of conduct for judges and magistrates – rules 1, 2, 5 and 6 – to remind him that he had gone against the ethics of this profession.

He was backed by Tamale North MP, Alhassan Suhuyini. The Tamale North MP asked if the judge considered the implications of his statement before making them.

Justice Honyenuga in his response said the practice is common in chieftaincy settings where chiefs use durbars and other gatherings of such nature to request developmental projects.

“This is more or less a convention. A president visits your area and you want to attract development, it is done everywhere… This is what has been happening in this country for a long time.”

He, however, added that “in reading that statement, we did not intend to endorse the president. Our understanding was that we were wishing him well. That was our understanding.

“I want to say that on my part, if some people have made political inferences from what I said, then I am sorry,” he added.